White Oak council votes 5‑2 to extend conditional offer for police chief to Jason Binder

White Oak Borough Council voted July 21 to make a conditional offer of employment to Jason Binder for the borough’s chief of police position, contingent on satisfactory completion of pre‑employment requirements.

Councilwoman Laurie Sharter, speaking for the public‑safety committee, described a multi‑stage hiring process that included a chiefs’ panel and interviews. "This particular candidate stood out for his commitment to law enforcement, years of experience, and leadership," Sharter said as she moved to make the conditional offer and to authorize the borough president and borough manager to execute an employment agreement.

The council recorded a roll‑call on the motion. Councilwoman Offerman voted yes; Councilwoman Davis voted no; Councilwoman Barber voted yes; Councilwoman Russell voted yes; Councilwoman Sheridan voted yes; Councilwoman DePaul voted no. The chair announced the motion passed by a 5‑2 vote. The offer is explicitly conditional on the candidate satisfactorily completing pre‑employment screening requirements.

Sharter told council the public‑safety committee convened a chiefs’ panel of experienced neighboring chiefs, the mayor, the borough manager and committee members to assist with first‑round interviews. She said the council then interviewed the top three candidates. The motion and vote authorize the borough to move forward with an employment agreement, but do not record the final, executed contract in the meeting minutes; the appointment remains contingent on completion of background checks and other pre‑employment steps.

The council did not read the precise pre‑employment requirements into the public record during the meeting; the transcript indicates the conditional offer and authorization to execute an agreement were the formal actions taken.